Off-Pitch & Press

Guardiola Explains Why Manchester City Cancelled Training Before Real Madrid Decider

Pep Guardiola
March 2026

Pep Guardiola said fatigue and modern football demands were behind his decision to cancel Manchester City’s training session the day before facing Real Madrid. The manager made the unusual call despite City needing a huge comeback after losing the first leg 3-0. Guardiola pointed to late-night travel from Madrid and the weekend draw at West Ham as key reasons for giving players extra rest. He also argued that training no longer improves much at this stage of the season, noting City had done the same before wins over Borussia Dortmund and Fulham.

Keane Brands Liverpool Bad Champions After Spurs Draw at Anfield

Liverpool
March 2026

Roy Keane labelled Liverpool bad champions after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham left them 21 points behind Arsenal. The former Manchester United captain questioned the squad’s mentality and suggested deeper problems may be affecting the team’s chemistry and title defence. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said great teams back up success and argued Liverpool’s fall from last season’s title win has been severe. He also pointed to possible background issues after the draw, while Dominik Szoboszlai warned the squad as they slipped further from the top four race.

Carrick Urges Manchester United to Keep Bruno Fernandes After Villa Win

Bruno Fernandes
March 2026

Michael Carrick said Manchester United definitely do not want to lose Bruno Fernandes this summer, underlining the captain’s importance after another decisive display. The manager addressed transfer speculation directly and made clear that Fernandes remains central to the club’s plans. Carrick spoke after Fernandes inspired victory over Aston Villa and said the club would not want to part with him despite uncertainty over the longer term. The midfielder’s strong recent form, leadership and attacking output have only strengthened his standing during a period of continued outside speculation.

Guardiola Admits Bad Selection After Manchester City Drop Points at West Ham

Pep Guardiola
March 2026

Pep Guardiola admitted he got his selection wrong after Manchester City were held by West Ham, a result that left them nine points off the league leaders. The manager said the starting setup lacked balance and accepted criticism over leaving Rayan Cherki on the bench. City started with Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush supporting Erling Haaland, but the attack failed to find rhythm or enough creativity. After Cherki, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku entered, City improved, and Guardiola later said his fear of losing stability had led to the wrong call.

Ashley Cole in Talks With Cesena Over First Senior Manager Job

Ashley Cole
March 2026

Ashley Cole is reportedly in talks to become Cesena manager in what would be his first senior head coach role. The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender has built coaching experience in club and international football and is now close to stepping into a lead job. Cesena are said to have identified Cole as their preferred option after parting with Michele Mignani while sitting eighth in Serie B. Cole has previously worked with Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Lee Carsley, and also helped England Under-21s win European titles in 2023 and 2025.

Burley Slams Wirtz and Questions Liverpool Future After Galatasaray Loss

Florian Wirtz
March 2026

Craig Burley launched a fierce criticism of Florian Wirtz, calling the Liverpool midfielder a lightweight and questioning his end product after another disappointing display. The ESPN pundit even suggested the club should consider selling him if he cannot deliver in his preferred central role. Burley argued Wirtz has not shown the dribbling, passing or conviction that defined his Leverkusen form and said his shift to the left wing is not a lasting answer. Despite Liverpool’s patience and a contract running to 2030, doubts remain over how he fits into Arne Slot’s system.

Abqar Denies Intent After Red Card in Getafe Defeat to Atletico Madrid

Abdelkabir Abqar
March 2026

Abdelkabir Abqar insisted there was no intent behind the incident that earned him a red card against Atletico Madrid. The defender was sent off after VAR showed contact with Alexander Sorloth while the ball was out of play, leaving Getafe short-handed. Referee Ortiz Arias dismissed Abqar after reviewing footage that showed him grabbing Sorloth in a sensitive area during an off-ball tussle. Abqar later said he had only tried to make normal contact in a physical duel and claimed the action was misunderstood rather than deliberate.

Rosenior Blames Tactical Pressing Error After Chelsea Loss to Newcastle

Liam Rosenior
March 2026

Liam Rosenior said a tactical pressing mistake gifted Newcastle the winning goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat, despite claiming his side controlled most of the match. He also pointed to poor attacking sharpness and frustration over a penalty appeal involving Cole Palmer. Chelsea conceded when Joe Willock broke through and set up Anthony Gordon after Rosenior felt the pressing shape failed at a key moment. The manager said Newcastle had offered little otherwise, while also criticising the attention on Chelsea’s pre-match huddle instead of what he viewed as a clear penalty.

McKennie Opens Up on Juventus Fightback After Exit Doubts

Weston McKennie
March 2026

Weston McKennie said he refused to take the easy exit when Juventus were ready to sell him, backing himself to win his place back instead. The midfielder described his time in Turin as a rollercoaster and said persistence helped turn uncertainty into a renewed long-term role. After returning from Leeds with his future in doubt, McKennie chose to stay and work through a difficult path that included bench time and intense daily training. He later earned a new deal until 2030 and also addressed criticism about his weight, saying online attacks ignore his actual output.

Eze Left Starstruck as Romario Makes Surprise Visit to Arsenal Training Ground

Eberechi Eze
March 2026

Eberechi Eze was left stunned after meeting Romario during a surprise visit to Arsenal’s training ground. The moment quickly gained attention online, with the midfielder’s reaction showing clear admiration for one of football’s most iconic forwards. Video from the visit showed Eze bowing respectfully before smiling and speaking briefly with Romario, whose appearance lifted the atmosphere at London Colney. The Brazil legend was also seen conducting an interview with Gabriel Jesus, who is working back toward full fitness.

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